At a significant and celebratory event, a friend was unhappy. Why? It was a joyous, special occasion with every reason to relax, enjoy and celebrate. Yet the friend was sad and disgruntled. I registered her emotion, and made an effort to cheer her up, but that didn't work. In thinking about the situation, there could have been many reasons for the unhappiness. Perhaps she didn't feel well or the event reminded her of past, sad situations and loss. Whatever, the reason, my friend was clearly unhappy.
What do we do when a friend is unhappy at a celebratory event? What do we do when we feel unhappiness at a celebratory event?
I remember once when I was invited to a celebratory event. Just before the event, I experienced a harsh reprimand as well as news of a medical issue. I was very unhappy and worried at the moment, but felt I should go to the event. At the event, i couldn't keep my emotions at bay--I was clearly upset. I ended up leaving the event as it wasn't fair to the celebrant to have a clearly unhappy person like me at the event. Looking back, it would have been better not to go at all if I couldn't control my sadness and worry.
I think the best we can do when a friend is unhappy at a celebratory event is to show some kindness and compassion, then give the person their space. When we are unhappy at celebratory events, it may be good to give the host a simple explanation, and leave if we can't cheer up as no one wants to be a weighty anchor in a celebratory event.
In general, celebratory events find us happy and ready to have a good time, but sometimes, for all kinds of reasons, that's not possible. Onward.